STEPS Center receives full reaccreditation, demonstrates world-class excellence

The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) and the Council for Accreditation of Healthcare Simulation Programs recently granted the David and Jo Ann Shaw Center for Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS) full reaccreditation in the areas of assessment, research, teaching/education and systems integration for the next five years.

STEPS in one of only 43 simulation centers worldwide out of 1,085 registered with SSH that have attained accreditation in all areas, a reflection on the hard work and dedication of faculty, staff and learners who utilize the center daily.

SSH-accredited programs are reported to be more likely to provide high-quality simulation experiences that lead to better patient outcomes and are more likely to attract more learners, faculty and funding opportunities.

The STEPS Center offers students and healthcare professionals the ability to grow their skills before engaging in direct patient care. Since opening in 2009, the center has expanded twice- once in 2015 from 4,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet and again in 2022, which added an operating room that is designed and equipped to simulate an operating room that would be used by WVU Medicine surgeons.

The team has also grown to include 20 dedicated members and many more faculty educators. The STEPS Center now facilitates nearly 30,000 educational encounters each year as its expert team prepares learners of all skill levels for competent, compassionate patient care.

The work of STEPS is not confined to the physical space of the center in the HSC. The center provides ongoing faculty and staff development and in situ training in the hospital, surrounding clinics and neighboring institutions. The center’s focus is always on patients, hence their vision: “Exceptional care results in better health."

For more information about STEPS, visit steps.wvu.edu.